Holmquist Newbry remains focused on job protection

OLYMPIA - As the state Legislature heads into special session on May 13, Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry wants to assure lawmakers remain committed to protecting jobs.

"Since we came together and formed the Majority Coalition Caucus in the Senate, we promised to dedicate ourselves to creating and preserving jobs, building a world-class education system and passing a sustainable budget," said Holmquist Newbry, R-Moses Lake, on Monday. "That is why there are simply not 25 votes in the Senate to support general tax increases this year. It is bad policy to raise taxes on employers and families, if we hope to see our economy grow and create jobs."

As chair of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee, Holmquist Newbry said worker's compensation reform would be necessary to implement the Senate's proposed budget, which includes no new tax increases.

"Failure to do so would essentially result in another $1.1 billion dollar tax hit on employers, at a time when they are already facing an increase in their federal tax burden," she said.

Senate Bill 5127, which would reduce the age restriction for worker's compensation settlement proposals to age 40, and Bill 5128, which would give workers of any age the option to enter into voluntary-settlement agreements, were both passed by the Senate but never received a reading in the House. The two reforms were estimated to save a minimum of $110 million in increased insurance premiums each year.

"Why should we limit the choices and opportunities of workers?" Holmquist Newbry said. "Without this bill (5127), we are trapping employees at a much lower earning capacity and requiring that they don't work."

Holmquist Newbry also questioned Gov. Jay Inslee's decision to delay the start of the special session, saying it would increase uncertainty and possibly cost jobs.

"It is crucial to complete our work in a timely manner because there are real-world impacts to any further delay," she said. "The cost of delaying action is simply too high. We must get our job done, get it done soon and get it done right."

The special session begins May 13. This is the fourth time in as many years the Legislature will work overtime to agree on a budget.